Scotland's Historic Football Ball Travels to Miami for World Cup

Scotland's historic football ball, believed to be 500 years old, has made its way to Miami ahead of the World Cup. The ball, made from leather and a pig's bladder, has been loaned from the Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum in Scotland.

What's the significance of this historic ball?

The ball is a true piece of football history, connecting Scotland's rich sporting heritage with the global game. It's a powerful reminder of the global reach of Scotland's collections.

What's next for the historic ball?

The ball will be on display at the Coral Gables Museum in Miami as part of its headline exhibition "Diplomacy and the Beautiful Game: From Scotland to Brazil to Haiti." It will also be present at the World Cup game between Brazil and Scotland, marking the first time the ball will be present at a FIFA World Cup game.

Scotland's exuberant fans, dubbed the Tartan Army, have earned the affection of many in the U.S. and across social media after they overran Boston for their early soccer fixtures. They have now arrived in Miami for Wednesday's high-stakes game.

The ball was discovered during renovation work in the 1970s at Stirling Castle, lodged in the rafters behind the oak paneling in the Queen's Chamber. Scientific testing dates the ball to between 1540 and 1570 - the era of James V and the young Mary, the museum said.

It has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest football. Records show that football has been popular in Scotland since at least the 15th century - and Mary is known to have taken an interest in the sport, according to the museum.

What comes next for Scotland at the World Cup?

Scotland's recent form has been 1W-0D-1L (WL), with their last result being a 4-0 win over Liechtenstein on June 9, 2025. The team will be looking to build on this momentum as they take on Brazil in their next World Cup match.

In a social media video, Caroline Mathers, director of the Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum, said, "What we do know about Mary, Queen of Scots, was that she was a keen sportswoman - she enjoyed football, golf, jousting, tennis." She added, "So I like to imagine that Mary had a kickabout with this ball at some point."

The ball will bring good luck to Scotland's fans, according to Mathers. "We brought the ball over to Miami ... and I think it's going to bring us good luck," she joked.

Last result: Liechtenstein 0-4 Scotland (2025-06-09).